The future of one of Birmingham’s longest-established plastics manufacturers has been safeguarded after Clarity Plastics acquired Barkley Plastics out of administration, preserving more than 60 years of Midlands industrial heritage.
Founded in 1965, Barkley Plastics built its reputation as a specialist in injection moulding, supplying a wide range of customers across the automotive, industrial and consumer sectors. The company entered administration on 28 August 2025, prompting fears for its workforce and long-standing supply chain.
Despite initial redundancies, a core team was retained to maintain continuity of supply while administrators sought a buyer. Clarity Plastics completed the acquisition on 19 September, securing the jobs of those remaining employees and laying the groundwork for future employment opportunities.
The purchase adds significant strength to Clarity Plastics’ growing plastics division and ensures that Barkley Plastics’ name and expertise will remain part of the Midlands’ manufacturing landscape. Kevin Robinson, Managing Director at Clarity Plastics, described Barkley Plastics as “a very well-regarded name in Midlands manufacturing,” and emphasised the company’s commitment to preserving jobs and customer relationships.
“This acquisition arrives hot on the heels of the addition of LVS Plastics Limited to the wider Clarity Group,” Robinson said. “We’re excited to begin integrating the talented people from Barkley with recent arrivals from LVS and our existing team.”
The deal not only preserves a company synonymous with Birmingham’s manufacturing heritage, but also stabilises supply lines for long-standing customers and suppliers. By stepping in to rescue Barkley Plastics, Clarity Plastics has reinforced its position as a key player in the UK plastics sector, while ensuring that a Midlands manufacturer with six decades of history can continue to operate and grow.
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